Local News

Murder trial in foster child's death delayed until April

April 21st (2014) is a new trial date for a former Cullom woman charged with murder in the 2011 death of a foster child.

30-year-old Heather Lamie is charged in the death of four-year-old Kianna Rudesill. Livingston County Judge Mark Fellheimer (Monday) granted a request for the later trial date.Ford County Judge Stephen Pacey had scheduled the trial for January 6th . Pacey announced earlier this month that he is retiring at the end of the month.

The defense had told Judge Pacey that an expert witnesses would not be available for the January 6 trial and suggested the trial be delayed until summer. Pacey said he would let the judge assigned to the case determine whether the trial would be delayed.

The voices of the Cantata are comprised of people from churches all over Iroquois County. There's 86 individuals representing 21 towns and 34 churches. Neal said there's a lot of talented voices, including the 4th and 5th grade junior-choir.

Livingston County Farm Bureau Donates Hams for Eleventh Year

The Livingston County Farm Bureau in cooperation with the Illinois Corn Marketing Board donated $300 in gift certificates for forty-four (44) hams for the Livingston County Community Food Pantry. The donation highlights the importance of corn as a feed product for livestock. The Bureau says we could not enjoy a delicious ham for Christmas dinner without the corn farmer growing the corn and the livestock farmer feeding the corn to their hogs.

Grant money a concern with demise of FIPHD

A bi-county financial arrangement between Ford and Iroquois County may be necessary in order to keep grant monies in place for the health departments.

The Ford-Iroquois Health department's interim-administrator said a financial arrangement will be needed between the two counties, even though the two counties are planning to create their own independent health services.

Steve Williams says the two counties need time to organize but the dual-checkbook will help keep grant money flowing for everyone to benefit.

A possible inter-governmental agreement will be studied. Meanwhile, others, including a study group, recommend the existing Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department not be dissolved. The group suggests the two county boards and the health department board reconsider the already-voted on dissolution to keep costs and services in place.

Indiana man’s body identified in Kankakee County

A Newton County, Indiana man has been identified by Kankakee County authorities. The body of a man found burned beyond recognition inside a flaming vehicle earlier this month is that of 28-year-old John McEloroy of Brook.

McEloroy had been reported missing out of Newton County, Ind.County Coroner Bob Gessner said McEloroy was identified by using police tips and DNA.

Police are still investigating why McEloroy's vehicle was found burning in a roadside ditch near Pembroke Township. Foul play is not suspected.

McEloroy and a dog were found dead in a car at 16321 E 5480S Road on December 7th after firefighters extinguished the burning vehicle.